posted on Oct, 16 2013 @ 03:45 PM
The Op asked the question if the Tea Party should break off and form their own political party. Before we can answer that a bit of a trip through the
history of the USA may give a clue and an idea on the answer to that.
The first set of political parties in the USA started after the formation of the country, the Revolutionary war was over, and the country was trying
to set itself up. The earliest political parties were: The Federalist party, Jan of 1792, following Hamilton. They came about due to disagreements
in the way and direction of the country was going. They opposed President John Adams and backed Thomas Jefferson. They quickly faded away.
The second was the Democratic-Republican Party. Here you have the forerunner of the Democratic party, starting as early as 2/1/1792. They later
would shorten the name to the Democratic party, and the standard planks would advocate the more of the growing middle class and ultimately that of
individual state’s rights.
The next political party was the Whig party, which was more strongly in favor of a federal grouping of power and was in direct opposition of the
Democratic Party. Started in Apr of 1830. The end of this political party was the division over the issue of slavery, which caused it to split and
dissolve into other political parties.
April of 1840 saw the formation of the Liberty Party, more of a northern party that was focused on the anti-slavery movement and the annexation of
Texas.
Aug of 1848 saw the raise of the Free Soil Party, another anti-slavery party, which supported the abolition cause. They believed that the government
should be more involved with internal improvements and handouts. Ended in 1854 when they merged/joined the Republican Party.
Apr of 1850 saw the rise of the American Party. No one knew much about this party, too secretive in nature. However, one of their main planks was
the restriction of Immigration and the advocating of Temperance. Dissolved and joined the Republican Party.
Feb of 1854, saw the formation of the Republican Party. There were a more conservative party, and was very successful, going further than either the
Whig of the Federalist parties. There were in favor of protective tariffs and minimal government.
Apr of 1869, was the Prohibition Party, care to guess what the main points were: Temperance, banning of all alcohol sales, heavy religion, abortion,
and anti-gay laws.
May 1872, saw the rise of the Liberal Republican Party. This party formed to oppose the corruption of the Grant presidency; they wanted to change the
policies of the administration. They were also against the Reconstruction that followed the Civil War. They also were one of the first political
party to use their minority to dominate the federal government.
Feb 1878, came The Greenback Labor Party. This was the first time that you would see the rise of a political party come about due to the economic
conditions of the country, with the backing of the farmers. They were considered a populist movement and were adopted by the progressive movement.
Apr 1891, and we have the Populist Party. This was more for the current activist movements of the way. They did not really represent all of the
population, excluding many minorities, including African Americans. They sought to nationalize many industries, including railroads, transportation
and communication. They also advocated women’s rights. They were taken over by the Democratic Party.
Aug 1901, and it was the Socialist Party that showed up. They found many successes and were around the country. They would advocate government
implementation of business and was supported by the forerunners of the unions.
Apr 1912, and there was the Progressive Party. It was also known as the Bull Moose Party. Formed by Theodore Roosevelt, advocating woman’s’
rights, social welfare, and labor unions. They wanted to modernize through legislation for internal improvements. They ended in 1955.
Sep 1919, and it was the Communist Party. Apart from being an advocate for labor and woman’s rights, they were also for the integration of all
citizens, and were against the Jim Crow laws. The main difference between the Communist Party and the Socialist Party was the opposition of the
Russian Revolution. The Communist Party supported the revolution.
Jun 1967 saw the rise of the Peace and Freedom Party. This was socialist style party that was formed in direct opposition to the military actions in
Vietnam, and military expansion and actions of the country. They also sought racial equality, ecology, women’s rights. They wanted to have a set
income for everyone, promoting labor unions and to increase the benefits of the workers. Also seeking to eliminate all nuclear weapons, starting with
those in the USA.
Jul 1967 and it was the Independent Party. A large supporter of segregation, even now seeking to improve on civil liberties, protect individual
rights, and ultimately curtail the corporate world.
Dec 1971 there was the Libertarian Party. This was to advocate the minimum government, but looking for more of a capitalist economy,
non-intervention, and free trade. Against war, and keeping out of hot bed issues that come to the forefront of the country.
Apr 1974 and it is the New Union Party. Having believed that the Socialist were too autocratic, they broke off and started a new political party.
The reality is that this is a Marxis-Deleonist Party, believing in the agenda and idea of Karl Marx.
Apr 1991, and the next one is the Taxpayers’ Party. They are a strong party, though going through growing pains, and changing, currently being
known as the Constitution Party by 1999. They strongly oppose abortion. They also strongly oppose all armed conflicts without a declaration of war,
citing the Constitution of the USA for such. They are also anti-illegal immigrant, finding that the giving of benefits is against the law. They have
a bit of an isolationist streak, and think that immigration should be curtailed and reduced down. And that crime should be handled at the local
level.
Aug 2001 and it is the Green Party. More in line with the EPA regulations, would seek to promote non-violence and promote a more ecological point of
view.
Now you have seen all of the political parties that have come around since the start of the country. While many have good points, at the same time,
many had points that were not so tasteful in the public. They all had very good ideas on what to represent in the country, to show that they have the
potential to do what is right for the country. Now the question is should the Tea Party, become a new political party. The question should be will
the public back and give them the backing that would be required to have a new political party, and be speaking for all those in the country as one
people, not just one group or another. If they cannot do that, then they will go the way of those political parties before them. If they can, and be
accepting of all, forming a political platform that will appeal to the majority of the country, then they just might have a chance of succeeding.